Andrew Jackson

The Brave Boy of the Waxhalls2

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Rachel Donelson Jackson by Ralph E. W. Earl1823

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Aaron and Hannah Jackson (1865)

Battle of New Orleans by Dennis Malone Carter, 1856

Ambristertrial

Andrew Jackson (March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845) was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. As a pivotal figure in the history of the United States, Jackson's presidency marked the era of the "common man" and the dawn of modern American democracy. His influence on American politics and the presidency has been profound, leading to a period known as the Jacksonian democracy. Jackson's legacy is a complex one, including his role in the expansion of slavery, the Trail of Tears, and his actions to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States.

Early Life

Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region straddling North and South Carolina. He was the youngest son of Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, immigrants from Ireland. Jackson's early life was marked by hardship; his father died before his birth, and the American Revolutionary War took a heavy toll on his family. Jackson's experiences during the war fostered a lifelong resentment towards the British.

Military Career

Jackson first rose to national prominence as a general in the United States Army, achieving significant victories during the War of 1812. His most notable achievement was the defeat of the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, which made him a national hero. Jackson's military career, characterized by his toughness and aggressive tactics, earned him the nickname "Old Hickory."

Political Career

Before becoming president, Jackson served as a delegate to the Tennessee constitutional convention, a U.S. Congressman, and a U.S. Senator. He also served as a judge on the Tennessee Supreme Court. Jackson's first presidential run in 1824 ended in a controversial loss to John Quincy Adams in what became known as the "Corrupt Bargain." However, he won the presidency in 1828, advocating for the common man against what he perceived as a corrupt elite.

Presidency

Jackson's presidency was marked by his strong leadership and the implementation of his populist policies. He was a staunch advocate for the expansion of democracy and sought to empower the common man. One of his most significant acts as president was the signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the Southeast to territories west of the Mississippi River, in what is known as the Trail of Tears.

Jackson also famously opposed the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as a monopoly that benefited the wealthy elite at the expense of the common people. His veto of the bank's recharter bill in 1832 was a pivotal moment in his presidency and led to the bank's eventual dissolution.

Legacy

Andrew Jackson's legacy is mixed. He is celebrated for his role in expanding American democracy and for his belief in the power of the common man. However, his policies regarding Native Americans and his support for slavery have led to significant criticism. Jackson's impact on the American presidency and political landscape is undeniable, and he remains a controversial and complex figure in American history. 0